NCJ Number
212587
Journal
Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law and Society Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2005 Pages: 293-303
Date Published
December 2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the current availability and state of “prison to community” employment programs.
Abstract
Inmates released from prison face a notoriously difficult time finding adequate employment due to a variety of factors ranging from lack of education and lack of work skills to ex-offender stigma. Yet successful employment has been associated with improved self-esteem, family stability, and a non-criminal lifestyle. Indeed, even educational and vocational programs for inmates have been shown to increase self-esteem and lower recidivism rates. This study focused on ascertaining the state of “prison to community” employment programs offered in State correctional facilities, including a focus on their availability, types of programs offered, numbers of inmates participating, and their effectiveness. Data were collected via a Web-based survey distributed to all 50 State departments of corrections; 35 completed surveys were returned and analyzed. The results revealed that true “prison to community” employment programs that began while offenders were inmates and continued through their release and to outside employment were almost non-existent. Many State correctional institutions offered inmate educational and training programs, yet none of these programs had a mechanism in place for the smooth transition to work in the community. Future studies should also address the lack of successful dissemination of information about prison to community employment programs. Tables, references